Indonesia National Team Needs a Winger! Is Marukawa the Answer for John Herdman?

Indonesia National Team requires thorough preparation ahead of the 2027 Asian Cup. Tough challenges await the Garuda Squad, who have been drawn into a highly competitive group alongside Japan, Qatar and Thailand. Under head coach John Herdman, Indonesia has been set the target of progressing to the knockout stage of the tournament.

This target will by no means be easy to achieve. Japan boasts a long established pedigree and world class footballing standards, Qatar is renowned for its disciplined, solid team organisation, while Thailand is one of Southeast Asia's dominant footballing powers that cannot be underestimated.

John Herdman must devise tactical game plans while also assembling a squad roster capable of adapting to and competing against the distinct playing styles of all three opponents. One of his key priorities is reinforcing the attacking line, particularly the winger and central striker positions.

This requirement has been highlighted by football analyst Ronny Pangemanan. According to Pangemanan, John Herdman needs additional players fitting the profile of classic number 7 or 11 wide attackers, as well as an out-and-out number 9 centre forward, in order to boost Indonesia's finishing threat.

Number 7 and 11 roles are typically filled by wingers that combine raw pace, 1v1 dribbling ability, and creativity to build attacks from the flanks. Meanwhile, the number 9 role refers to a central striker with natural goalscoring instinct and clinical finishing ability inside the penalty area.

Against this backdrop, Taisei Marukawa is considered a worthy candidate to be evaluated for the Garuda squad.

The Dewa United player is naturally suited to operating in wide attacking positions. His pace, agility, ability to open space and generate goalscoring opportunities make him an attractive option to fit the style of play Herdman is implementing.

Football Analyst Kesit Budi Handoyo also believes Marukawa deserves the chance to be called up to the Indonesia National Team Squad. His inclusion would provide fresh alternative options on the flanks, while adding greater variation to Indonesia's attacking patterns.

Ronny Pangemanan agreed that Marukawa's playing profile aligns exactly with the attributes Herdman is currently seeking. He stated that a player of Marukawa's calibre would strengthen the number 7 wide position that Indonesia requires to compete at the Asian Cup.

Prospects of Marukawa representing Indonesia have also gained traction as his naturalisation process is already underway, with all required administrative documentation currently being processed. This process must however be fully completed before he will be eligible to represent the national team.

This analysis of the Indonesia squad's requirements and Marukawa's potential call up was discussed on the ITSMe podcast, recorded in Sentul, Bogor, featuring football analysts Ronny Pangemanan and Kesit Budi Handoyo. The discussion was hosted by Gilang Respaty and Pudila.

For Herdman, strengthening the squad is not simply a case of adding player names to the roster. He must ensure every player called up possesses the attributes and ability that fit the team's tactical requirements.

Facing Japan, Qatar and Thailand will require more than just disciplined defending. Indonesia must also demonstrate attacking courage, fast transition play, and clinical efficiency when converting goalscoring opportunities.

Marukawa represents one potential solution to address these needs, particularly for the wide attacking positions. That said, the final decision remains fully with Herdman, who will also take into account administrative eligibility, match form and tactical compatibility.

2027 Asian Cup will represent a major test for John Herdman. Will he be able to assemble the strongest possible Garuda squad, and guide Indonesia past this demanding group stage?